Staff Nurse

Join to apply for the Staff Nurse role at Southern Area Hospice Services.

SALARY: Band 5 (£29,969 - £36,482 pro rata)

HOURS: 2 x 24 hour posts (Bank shifts also available)

CLOSING DATE: Thursday 19 June 2025 @ 5pm

The post-holder will work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team providing holistic care to patients and their families. You will participate in the assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating care of patients encompassing the Hospice philosophy of Specialist Palliative Care.

LOCATION: St John’s House, Newry

REPORTS TO: Inpatient Services Manager

CLINICAL PRACTICE

• Provide holistic care to patients and their families as part of a multi-disciplinary team and maintain professional standards of nursing care.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised programmes of care for patients and their families/carers.
• Acquire and maintain clinical competencies as defined by the needs of the service such as management of syringe drivers, administration of oral medication, administration of intravenous drug therapies, management of blood transfusions, wound management and stoma care and basic life support.
• Ensure all documentation is legible, accurate, written in black ink, clearly signed, and timed and dated in accordance with NMC standards.
• Attend and participate in multi-disciplinary meetings.
• Demonstrate commitment through regular attendance in team meetings and activities.
• Delegate and supervise the work of auxiliary staff, students, nurses, and volunteers.
• Maintain excellent communication with patients, relatives and carers ensuring that patient’s individual needs are met, and report issues to the Ward Manager.
• Participate in internal rotation, outpatient clinics and day therapy facilities - based Newry and Dungannon.

IN-CHARGE RESPONSIBILITIES (In-Patient Unit)

• Assist with management of the nursing team under the guidance of the Inpatient Services Manager.
• Carry out Nurse in Charge Responsibilities.
• Carry out Fire Warden Responsibilities.
• Ensure safe handling, custody, administration, and storage of medicinal products in accordance with Hospice procedures, NMC requirements and RQIA standards.
• Manage and maintain a safe clinical environment.
• Make efficient and effective use of all resources.
• Participate in the orientation, induction, and training of new staff.
• Mentor pre and post registered nurses.
• Support and supervise volunteers.
• Identify poor performance and practice and refer all concerns to the Ward Manager.
• Comply with Southern Area Hospice’s policies, procedures, and practices.
• Promote Southern Area Hospice Services.

EDUCATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take responsibility for professional education in partnership with management.
• Contribute towards professional development of nursing team.
• Participate in clinical supervision.
• Participate in mentorship of newly appointed staff and nursing students.
• Develop teaching skills in palliative care.
• Attend all mandatory training sessions.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure professional and personal development and accountability in accordance with the NMC Revalidation requirements.
• Maintain professional registration with the NMC, always adhere to the NMC code.
• Ensure revalidation is completed 3 yearly.
• Practice in accordance with Southern Area Hospice Services policies and procedures.
• Participate in and review written appraisal of progress annually.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

You should note that under the Health and Safety at Work (NI Order 1978) you are required to take all reasonable steps while at work to ensure your own health and safety and safety of those who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work. You are also required to co-operate fully regarding implementation of health and safety arrangements, and you should not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety, or welfare at work.

COSHH

Comply with all regulations in relation to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) as set out in the COSHH handbook. A copy of this handbook is available in each Department.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The hospice operates an equal opportunities policy in accordance with the Fair Employment (NI) Acts 1976 and 1989, the Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. All employees have a responsibility to be familiar with the hospice policies on equal opportunities and to help ensure a working environment in which the dignity of all fellow employees is respected.

VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS

Employees of Southern Area Hospice Services are required to promote and support its mission and values: Core Values: Dignity, Compassion, Integrity, Innovation, Excellence and Equality.

Employees Are Expected To:

• Show respect for and a sensitivity towards all those you come into contact within your working day.
• Always maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Actively develop yourself and others where possible.
• Participation in corporate or fund-raising events is encouraged to enable all employees to support their team and make a personal contribution to the success of the charity.
• Operate with tact, patience, and diplomacy and maintain a sensitive and professional approach towards colleagues and service users.

This job description will need to be reviewed in the light of new developments. It should not be regarded as restrictive or definitive but acts as a broad guide to the demands of the post.

Essential Criteria:

• Degree, diploma, or other nursing qualification allowing registration with NMC (Adult) OR Registered on part 1 (Branch - Adult) of the NMC register.
• One year’s post qualification experience.

Experience:

• Knowledge and understanding of NMC requirements and RQIA standards.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent standards and practices of nursing care.
• Proficient in the Management of Syringe Drivers or other similar drug delivery equipment.
• Experience in a palliative setting or caring for patients with a palliative care diagnosis.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge in the Administration of Medicines.
• Knowledge of Blood transfusion procedures.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and be sensitive to various situations.
• Excellent record-keeping skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and be pro-active.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Enthusiastic and a self-motivated approach.
• Tact, patience and diplomacy and the ability to maintain a sensitive and professional approach towards colleagues and service users in a confidential setting.

Desirable Criteria:

• Previous experience of working in a Hospice environment.

Confirmation of NMC registration must be obtained before commencement of the role.